Posted on June 11, 2024.

As the sun shines brighter and the temperature rises, it's time to turn our attention to the vibrant world of summer annuals. Whether you have a sun-drenched garden or a shady oasis, there are plenty of annuals that thrive in these conditions and will add a burst of color and beauty to your landscape. In this blog post, we will explore the top 20 summer annuals for full sun and shade tolerant gardens, helping you create a stunning and flourishing outdoor space.

Top 20 Summer Annuals for Full Sun Gardens:

1. Petunias: Known for their trumpet-shaped blooms and wide range of colors, petunias are a popular choice for summer gardens. They are low-maintenance and provide continuous blooms throughout the season.

2. Marigolds: With their vibrant orange and yellow flowers, marigolds add a cheerful touch to any garden. They are not only beautiful but also help repel pests, making them a practical choice for full sun gardens.

3. Zinnias: Zinnias are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile choice for summer gardens. They attract butterflies and are excellent for cut flower arrangements.

4. Geraniums: Geraniums are known for their vibrant blooms and robust growth. They come in a variety of colors and are perfect for adding height and drama to your garden.

5. Sunflowers: Few plants embody the spirit of summer like sunflowers. Their tall stems and large, golden blooms bring a sense of joy and warmth to any garden.

6. Cosmos: Cosmos produce delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. They are easy to grow and attract pollinators, making them a favorite among gardeners.

7. Salvia: Salvia boasts spikes of vibrant flowers in shades of red, purple, and blue. They are drought-tolerant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

8. Verbena: Verbena is a versatile annual that blooms all summer long. Its clusters of small, colorful flowers add a touch of charm to any garden.

9. Portulaca: Also known as moss rose, portulaca is a drought-tolerant annual that thrives in full sun. Its succulent-like foliage and vibrant blooms make it a unique addition to your garden.

10. Lantana: Lantana is a heat-loving annual that produces clusters of small, colorful flowers. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and is perfect for adding a tropical feel to your garden.

11. Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are prized for their edible flowers and trailing foliage. Their vibrant blooms come in shades of orange, red, and yellow, adding a pop of color to your garden.

12. Gazanias: Gazanias are known for their daisy-like flowers and silver-gray foliage. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in hot, sunny conditions.

13. Celosia: Celosia, also known as cockscomb, produces unique, flame-shaped flowers in vibrant colors. They are perfect for adding texture and visual interest to your garden.

14. Pentas: Pentas are heat-loving annuals that produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds and are perfect for containers or borders.

15. Vinca: Vinca, or periwinkle, is a low-maintenance annual that thrives in full sun. Its glossy foliage and vibrant flowers make it a popular choice for summer gardens.

16. Dusty Miller: Dusty Miller is valued for its silver-gray foliage, which provides a striking contrast to other plants in the garden. It is drought-tolerant and adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.

17. Angelonia: Angelonia, also known as summer snapdragon, produces spikes of colorful flowers that resemble snapdragons. It is heat-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

18. Cleome: Cleome, or spider flower, is a tall annual with clusters of delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It adds vertical interest to your garden and attracts butterflies.

19. Coleus: Coleus is prized for its vibrant foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It thrives in partial sun and shade, making it a versatile choice for any garden.

20. Dahlias: Dahlias are known for their large, showy blooms in a variety of colors and shapes. They are perfect for adding drama and elegance to your summer garden.

Top 20 Shade Tolerant Annuals for Shady Gardens:

1. Impatiens: Impatiens are a popular choice for shady gardens due to their vibrant blooms and ability to thrive in low light conditions.

2. Begonias: Begonias come in a variety of types, including upright, trailing, and tuberous. They add color and texture to shady areas and are easy to care for.

3. Lobelia: Lobelia produces delicate flowers in shades of blue, white, and pink. It thrives in part shade and adds a touch of grace to your garden.

4. Torenia: Torenia, also known as wishbone flower, is a shade-loving annual that produces charming, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white.

5. Fuchsias: Fuchsias are prized for their pendulous flowers, which come in a variety of colors. They are perfect for hanging baskets and shady garden beds.

6. Browallia: Browallia produces clusters of small, blue or purple flowers that brighten up shady areas. It is low-maintenance and attracts hummingbirds.

7. Caladiums: Caladiums are known for their stunning foliage, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They add a tropical feel to shady gardens.

8. New Guinea Impatiens: New Guinea impatiens are larger and more vibrant than their traditional counterparts. They thrive in part shade and add a splash of color to your garden.

9. Coleus: Coleus is a shade-loving annual that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Its vibrant foliage adds interest to shady areas.

10. Violas: Violas, or pansies, are known for their cheerful faces and ability to thrive in cool, shady conditions. They come in a variety of colors and are perfect for containers or borders.

11. Sweet Potato Vine: Sweet potato vine is a trailing annual with vibrant, heart-shaped foliage. It adds a touch of whimsy to shady gardens and is perfect for hanging baskets.

12. Heuchera: Heuchera, or coral bells, is valued for its colorful foliage. It thrives in part shade and adds texture and visual interest to your garden.

13. Lamium: Lamium, or dead nettle, is a low-growing annual with silver or variegated foliage. It produces small, delicate flowers and thrives in shady conditions.

14. Hosta’s: Hosta’s are prized for their large, lush foliage and ability to thrive in shade. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, making them a popular choice for shady gardens.

15. Astilbe: Astilbe produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It thrives in shade and adds a touch of elegance to your garden.

16. Bleeding Hearts: Bleeding hearts produce heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. They are perfect for adding a romantic touch to shady gardens.

17. Columbine: Columbine is a shade-loving perennial with delicate, bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. It attracts hummingbirds and adds grace to any garden.

18. Japanese Forest Grass: Japanese forest grass is a low-maintenance grass with cascading foliage. It adds texture and movement to shade gardens.

19. Ferns: Ferns are known for their elegant, feathery foliage. They thrive in shade and add a touch of lushness to your garden.

20. Hellebores: Hellebores, or Lenten roses, produce beautiful, nodding flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. They are perfect for adding color to shady gardens early in the season.

Now that you have discovered the top 20 summer annuals for full sun and shade tolerant gardens, it's time to start planning your own vibrant and flourishing outdoor space. Whether you have a sun-drenched garden or a shady oasis, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and create a stunning landscape. So grab your gardening tools, prepare your soil, and get ready to experience the beauty and joy of summer annuals.